UFC 98: Matt Hughes vs Matt Serra to likely happen May 23

Hard to care about this matchup.

Serra is coming off a loss to WW champ, but Hughes is coming off a devastating loss to Thiago.

In the end this fight does not deserve main event status and I hope they find another fight to go on top of it.

by DirtyML on Jan 10, 2009 1:12 AM EST reply actions

Yeah, I’m a longtime Hughes fan, and I even hope this isn’t the main or co-main event, although it probably will be the co-headliner…

by Synyster [[2009 Year of Gegard Mousasi]] on Jan 10, 2009 1:14 AM EST up reply actions

I wouldn’t mind a co-headliner, but this isn’t enough to headline on its own.

by naturalshadow on Jan 10, 2009 1:30 AM EST up reply actions

Probly co-headline or be a 3rd like Rampage-Wand at 92. With that, i got serra via sub, he’s got great BJJ. He probly also has more technique and power on feet. Hughes has no standup.

by NameNotRequired on Jan 10, 2009 1:40 AM EST up reply actions

It’s hard for me to care about who wins here. I don’t like either guys personality AT ALL but I respect their skills.

Hughes did a lot for the sport so even though he’s been passed by I think he deserves co-main status. He’s earned it. I’ve got a feeling he may retire (and he should) if he gets the win.

Not that it holds any water with me but I’ll go ahead and call Hughes by GnP TKO.

by Machine on Jan 10, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah I got Serra in this one too and not just because I hate Hughes, I just think Serra has the advantage wherever the fight goes, Hughes just has wrestling. I cant imagine it would be a 3rd best fight on a card in May, but a co main event probably. Maybe with Penn Florian?

by 1-0 via Arm Triangle on Jan 10, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions

I actually wouldnt even care if they didnt televise this fight. seriously, who gives a crap? I do like Serra’s game, and I expect him to put the NAIL in the Coffin of Matt Hughes’s career!

by john on Jan 10, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions

hmm.. i have a way different opinion on this fight than most people. I dont give Serra ANY chance of winning this fight. He split decisioned Lytle who Hughes dominated. Serra couldn’t get him to the ground, and Hughes kept him there for the whole fight. Before you rag on how he didn’t finish him, Hughes had him in some dangerous spots, but the fact that Chris survived is a testament to the fact that Lytle hasn’t been stopped by a legitimate Tko or submission.

hmm.. i have a way different opinion on this fight than most people. I dont give Serra ANY chance of winning this fight. He split decisioned Lytle who Hughes dominated. Serra couldn’t get him to the ground, and Hughes kept him there for the whole fight. Before you rag on how he didn’t finish him, Hughes had him in some dangerous spots, but the fact that Chris survived is a testament to the fact that Lytle hasn’t been stopped by a legitimate Tko or submission.I don’t think Matt Serra has anything on Hughes. Karo Parisyan was able to hold him down and GNP him, so theres no reason Matt Hughes cannot do the same.

hmm.. i have a way different opinion on this fight than most people. I dont give Serra ANY chance of winning this fight. He split decisioned Lytle who Hughes dominated. Serra couldn’t get him to the ground, and Hughes kept him there for the whole fight. Before you rag on how he didn’t finish him, Hughes had him in some dangerous spots, but the fact that Chris survived is a testament to the fact that Lytle hasn’t been stopped by a legitimate Tko or submission.I don’t think Matt Serra has anything on Hughes. Karo Parisyan was able to hold him down and GNP him, so theres no reason Matt Hughes cannot do the same.Since Serra has only been stopped by GSP I wouldn’t be s8prised to see HUghes with a decision, but this fight shouldnt be close. Serra has the advantage in striking and power, but NOT on the ground. TO those who say Hughes has only wrestling, he also has BJJ. Just because he has no belt rank doesn’t mean ANYTHING! Hughes has tapped how many opponents? Unless I am mistaken, and by being one-dimensional means that there is only two dimensions, that being stand up and ground, in which case Hughes owns the ground.

hmm.. i have a way different opinion on this fight than most people. I dont give Serra ANY chance of winning this fight. He split decisioned Lytle who Hughes dominated. Serra couldn’t get him to the ground, and Hughes kept him there for the whole fight. Before you rag on how he didn’t finish him, Hughes had him in some dangerous spots, but the fact that Chris survived is a testament to the fact that Lytle hasn’t been stopped by a legitimate Tko or submission.I don’t think Matt Serra has anything on Hughes. Karo Parisyan was able to hold him down and GNP him, so theres no reason Matt Hughes cannot do the same.Since Serra has only been stopped by GSP I wouldn’t be s8prised to see HUghes with a decision, but this fight shouldnt be close. Serra has the advantage in striking and power, but NOT on the ground. TO those who say Hughes has only wrestling, he also has BJJ. Just because he has no belt rank doesn’t mean ANYTHING! Hughes has tapped how many opponents? Unless I am mistaken, and by being one-dimensional means that there is only two dimensions, that being stand up and ground, in which case Hughes owns the ground.Again, Hughes by domination.

by Synyster [[2009 Year of Gegard Mousasi]] on Jan 10, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions

i agree, hughes by domination. i actually think hughes bjj is better than serras.

by mrBlonde on Jan 10, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, I agree with Synster and mrBlonde – Serra only has one submission win in the UFC…… and that was at UFC 36!!!

Would not want to see this as a main even but no problem with co-headliner. And as people have stated, the heat is out of his element haha.

by WB on Jan 10, 2009 2:52 PM EST up reply actions

This fight has a history to it..The fans know there’s bad blood between the 2..Because of that, i think this fight will co-main even be the main event..Everyone likes a little pre-fight drama before a fight happens…Either way, this fight is going to be the most boring show of GnP..Im not excited about this fight at all, but Drama Sells..

by ndnman on Jan 10, 2009 5:39 PM EST up reply actions

serra over hughes, serra knocked gsp the fuc out hughes well has been handled by gsp. gnp by hughe well thats all he has in his arsenal as for serra stand up as well as gnp and great bjj, plus tko power

by sol eterno on Jul 12, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions

nothing wrong with co headliner man. but we gotta see it under maybe brock vs mir or a co headliner with thiago silva vs mike swick in a title shot eliminator

by the heat on Jan 10, 2009 5:04 AM EST up reply actions

What are you talkin about? Mike swick vs thiago silva?
do you mean thiago alves??? even then it doesnt make sense, mike swick is no where near a title shot!!!

by mike22 on Jan 10, 2009 6:28 AM EST up reply actions

LOL. What is he talkin about??? Well, he obviously is a fan of that idiot karo so that about sums that up.

by allamerican on Jan 10, 2009 9:49 AM EST up reply actions

agree ten fold…..if Serra and Hughes both came back and had a couple of wins then maybe but as it stands this fight doesn’t mean much

by Robert(1) on Jan 10, 2009 9:15 AM EST up reply actions

I hate Hughes. I hope he gets his ass handed to him. I’m predicting serra to stand & trade til he gets the ko or tko. Definatly not a main event though…..

by allamerican on Jan 10, 2009 9:53 AM EST up reply actions

if they don’t do this sooner it’s gonna be the first fight of the night.. i mean, their is some more new great fighters coming up and i would rather see them then this fight that is nothing but a War-Of-Words

by mikeybear2009 on Jan 10, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions

areed again

by Robert(1) on Jan 10, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions

i agree… main event for these two is at this point is a letdown but to open it up….perfect

by rob u on Jan 10, 2009 2:24 AM EST up reply actions

This should be a UFN main event. Both guys are probabaly on the way out and aside from this match each one of them have no real meaningful match ups left in the UFC or MMA for that matter.

by El_Mexicutioner, formerly The_Mexicutioner on Jan 10, 2009 7:57 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah, it’s become like going to the inlaw’s place over the holidays. You just gotta do it and get it over with.

Anyhooo, I think Serra has the tools to take this one.

by DJ on Jan 10, 2009 8:30 AM EST up reply actions

LOL I can soooo relate to that analogy. Good one!

by Machine on Jan 10, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions

Hughes by vintage Ground and Pound stoppage (BJ Penn 2 finish). That or a UD. Serra has NOTHING in this fight.

by Synyster [[2009 Year of Gegard Mousasi]] on Jan 10, 2009 1:13 AM EST reply actions

this is two years too late. still everyone will claim to not care but everyone, including me, cant wait.

by bradpittfightclub on Jan 10, 2009 1:17 AM EST reply actions

yea, i really hope this thread doesn’t get filled with ppl saying how much they don’t care but i know it will. why do ppl do that???? anyway, yea, my excitement is not there cuz this took so long but i’m sure i’ll get excited once we’re close and serra starts talkin before the fight. Love a good grudge match.

by Crowls on Jan 10, 2009 2:05 AM EST up reply actions

People don’t pick the articles that appear on the site. They simply comment on whatever Mania chooses to write about.

by DJ on Jan 10, 2009 8:27 AM EST up reply actions

the reason people will say they don’t care is becaus they’re being spoiled lately with awesome matchups and great younger fighters. that being said, i still want to see serra beat hughes because hughes is a prick.

by jonsey on Jan 10, 2009 10:29 AM EST up reply actions

Hughes is a prick? Gimmie a break! Serra is the ultimate trash talking prick, and I hope Hughes beats him down to a bloody pulp. I never saw anyone show how much of an ass they were more than Serra did while he was a coach on Ultimate Fighter!

by That1Guy on Jan 10, 2009 12:52 PM EST up reply actions

If they are in good shape this will be a crazy fight, probably win by Hughes.

by Daddy Lupo on Jan 10, 2009 1:30 AM EST reply actions

crazy boring, perhaps

by Anthony on Jan 10, 2009 2:15 AM EST up reply actions

This fight is a JOKE. Both of these guys should shut their fat faces and retire from the UFC, go to Affliction with Matt Lindland’s decrepit ass. Hughes was great in his time but is irrelevant in the present. Serra is a never was, and a never will be. Snore…………………

by ThisIsGay on Jan 10, 2009 1:37 AM EST reply actions

but sanchez v stevenson is??? Id much rather have this grudge match as a main event any day!!

by mo on Jan 10, 2009 1:51 AM EST reply actions

I hate Matt Hughes. I hope he loses and then cries about it, slumped up against the cage.

by zulu9812 on Jan 10, 2009 2:09 AM EST reply actions

i find both of them annoying but i always have respected their work ethic and they both win and lose like men….annoying men.

by rob u on Jan 10, 2009 2:27 AM EST up reply actions

I used to hate Hughes, but there is no denying that he’s done great things for the sport. The fact that he accepted the fight with a fat ass Thiago Alves speaks volumes on its own. Love him or hate him, he is in love with a sport that has people like us posting comments on blogs and you can’t help but admire that.

by johnadnauseam on Jan 10, 2009 1:19 PM EST up reply actions

Zulu, Hughes may be a prick sometimes (most of the time) but he never cries or makes excuses when he loses. Did you see the Alves fight? Alves came in 7 pounds overweight and Hughes didnt say a word about it. Hughes has done a lot for the UFC – that being said, I hope he retires after he lays a beating to Serra.

by WB on Jan 10, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions

Hughes is a gigantic poopdick….

by steveoh on Jan 10, 2009 2:09 AM EST reply actions

God damn this fight has taken a long time

by subwayy2sallyy on Jan 10, 2009 2:12 AM EST reply actions

ummm two words come to mind about this fight: who cares?

by Anthony on Jan 10, 2009 2:15 AM EST reply actions

I do… and I wouldnt be surprised if the winner is a fight away from one last shot at the title!!

by 1-0 via Arm Triangle on Jan 10, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions

…Your joking right? Amongst Thiago Alves, Mike Swick, Anthony Johnson, and just about everyone else, you think the winner of THIS match would be a fight away from the title??? Why would they do a St. Pierre vs. Serra 3 when the first fight was a fluke, the second was how it should have been, and the third would end Serras career? And having Matt fricking Hughes fight him again?? That would be like sticking a kitty under a semi-truck dude.

by BrutalKnockout. on Jan 10, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions

Agreed

by subwayy2sallyy on Jan 10, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions

I’m not saying thats whats gonna happen or even that is what should happen, I’m just saying the UFC likes to put their legends in a position to succeed toward the end of their careers. Lets say Hughes wins. They put Hughes vs Fitch with the winner getting a title shot. IF (BIG if) Hughes is able to win that, then he deserves a title shot… if he loses, he retires most likely. Everyone wins!

by 1-0 via Arm Triangle on Jan 10, 2009 1:41 PM EST up reply actions

Only problem with that is that this would most likely be the Matt Hughes retirement match. Even if he won. But hey, if by some odd miracle he did get Fitch and the title shot, then I will personally send 50 bucks to you by mail. Haha. Deal?

by BrutalKnockout. on Jan 10, 2009 2:37 PM EST up reply actions

I hope you are right… I cant stand Hughes and would love to see him disappear!

by 1-0 via Arm Triangle on Jan 10, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions

People need to remember this is the same guy that dominated his division for years,and he lost to GSP,and a very overweight Thiago Alves.Yes he may not ever be the champ again,but he will dominate Matt Serra.

by Scott on Jan 10, 2009 5:14 PM EST up reply actions

I was fricken waiting for this fight the first time around, now its like hmmm ok

I like both fighters but ima go with hughes

When he’s angry he seems to do fantastic
Speeaking years ago but
(Lytle fight he was hungry after losing title, and penn to get revenge)
Gsp and thiago were kinda downers for hughes, he prob knew no chance

And these guys hate each other so it’ll be good

by phenomenal angel on Jan 10, 2009 2:16 AM EST reply actions

NO way Serra can challenge Hughes. Who has Serra beaten other than the win against GSP which was proven to be somewhat “out of the ordinary” although i won’t say lucky. Serra has one win over a top contender in the past few years. I don’t like Hughes much but he will win against Serra. Serra couldn’t beat Royce Gracie right now.

by Tronics on Jan 10, 2009 2:49 AM EST reply actions

going to be a awesome fight cant wait!! this s going to be an exciting fight. anytime 2 dudes hate eachother and get in a cage to settle the score its going to be fireworks!….sure neither guys really legitmitate contender, but it makes 4 a hell of a fight.
well i doubt this fight will be a main event, it does have strong selling power for a few reasons. both participated in the tuf show so a legion of fans are salivating to see this, even the “average” fan is anticipating this one.secondly, both men have fougth dominant kingpin GSP and have both defeated and been dominated by GSP. thirdly, its safe to say hughes or serra will never come close to the pinnacles theyve reached in the past, but its always entertaining to see a couple guys at the end of their respective careers fighting in a grudge match….ie) shamrock/tito
like it or not, dana has a strong selling point 4 this fight, and im as excited as dana is. although both guys are washed up, its still a grudge match between the previous 2 fighters to hold the welterweight crown. CANT WAIT!!!!

by tank on Jan 10, 2009 5:10 AM EST reply actions

who cares!!!!!
Hughes is an idiot, I hope Serra kills him so then both of them can retire.
Remember when Hughes fought Gracie.
It’s was like fighting my Grandpa, what a joke.

Hughes can not compete with this generation of fighters.
Retire already, you know you can’t compete anymore.

by luke on Jan 10, 2009 5:39 AM EST reply actions

i cant help but to but to cheer for Serra imo he’s much more of a classact then Hughes …. what can you say this fight is WAY over due and i really wanna see it

by Laughey on Jan 10, 2009 6:29 AM EST reply actions

booooring. this fight might have matered 2 years ago but now i dont think most people care

by radimus on Jan 10, 2009 7:07 AM EST reply actions

Serra will probably have an “accident” sometime before the fight.
Don’t think this fight will happen.

by Lester the Pimp on Jan 10, 2009 8:04 AM EST reply actions

ok good we can get this over with and then these two can go away.

by day1er on Jan 10, 2009 8:52 AM EST reply actions

This fight will be built as the ultimate grudge match, it’s like shamrock vs tito!

by nath on Jan 10, 2009 9:35 AM EST reply actions

co main event probably but i have been waiting to see this fight

by bryant on Jan 10, 2009 10:03 AM EST reply actions

I would use this fight as a filler for UFC100.

by elstiko on Jan 10, 2009 10:04 AM EST reply actions

I agree with day1er, enough of the Matt’s. Hughes is a HOF’er of course but he’s finished. Serra is someone you don’t get up for and then he luckily knocks you out. Big Deal

Rob Dib
http://www.break-your-face.com

by Rob Dib on Jan 10, 2009 10:18 AM EST reply actions

Serra’s just another NY loud mouth fuck that suffers from little man syndrome. There, someone finally said it.

by upset special on Jan 10, 2009 10:42 AM EST reply actions

That’s Serra’s personality I would hardly call it “little man syndrome” that’s just who he is. He’d be the same guy if he was six ft. six.
If anyone suffers from a Napolean complex it’s Manny Gamburyan.

by Tyler on Jan 10, 2009 1:52 PM EST up reply actions

U guys mma fans or babies??

Who cares if its a main event or the event opener? Its a fight,if u like mma u will just watch and try 2 enjoy it,so tired of watching everybody cry about everything and everybody.

A guy loses once with u people and he sucks and is a chump.

Get over it,its a fight,if u don’t like it don’t watch it,nobody is forcing u.

Btw I hope serra wins,I like the guy he’s got good bjj,heart and heavy hands,never liked hughes that much but I can c a lay and pray happening here..guess ill WATCH 2 find out

by iceman360 on Jan 10, 2009 10:45 AM EST reply actions

I was excited for this fight… two years ago, but now what? Oh well, I think if they’re both out of the injury-woods, then perhaps Serra via submission, he’s a tank who simply go out-wrestled by GSP and then got his ribs kneed in, basically got owned by GSP. As for Hughes, his last few fights have been rather unimpressive and I don’t see the Hughes of old coming back.

by Belisarius on Jan 10, 2009 10:54 AM EST reply actions

What a joke, this is worse than Tito VS Ken Shamrock 3. Matt hughes is and aways will be on my top 3 least favorite fighters/people list. I hope Sera does a GSP on him and knocks him the #$%^ out!! Hughes is a hillbilly!!!!

by Spyder on Jan 10, 2009 11:45 AM EST reply actions

I want to see Tito/Ken IV in 2009!

by Tyler on Jan 10, 2009 1:47 PM EST up reply actions

LOL, Shamrock would probabaly win that one!!!!

by Spyder on Jan 10, 2009 5:53 PM EST up reply actions

I guess i am the only one actually semi-excited for this fight??

They both hate each other, they have great skills individually, both former champions, and both like to talk alot!

i got Hughes by GnP Annihilation!

by SoCalStunNa on Jan 10, 2009 1:37 PM EST reply actions

not excited about this fight at all. It’s been too long in the making so too me it’s lost its hype. UFC won’t let this be the main event, it’s been pumping out too many great shows lately to take a step back. Neither are relevant in their division anyway.

by knux on Jan 10, 2009 1:47 PM EST reply actions

I forgot about this matchup. I have been waiting to see this ever since it was announced back in 1586!!! Who gives a shay now!!

by What?? on Jan 10, 2009 2:38 PM EST reply actions

DUDE! Did Roger Huerta really have sex with Arianny???

by BrutalKnockout. on Jan 10, 2009 2:48 PM EST reply actions

Hey can ne1 think of any gud questions to ask BISPING at the Q & A at UFC 93 weigh ins????

by Randy for Couture on Jan 10, 2009 4:41 PM EST reply actions

Finally get to see which one can put up or shut up. Pffft like either one can keep their mouth closed for more than a few seconds…

Hearing either of the two Matts talking is the pot calling the kettle black.

by Ognitinoc on Jan 11, 2009 3:00 AM EST reply actions

I for one would like to see this fight. Matt hughes used to be my favorite fighter back in 2006 but now its gsp, who do I want to win hughes, who do I think will win hughes. I think serra’s take down defense isn’t so great and hughes will have no problem taking him down, and most likely it won’t be a very exciting fight and end up in a decision. Personally after they fight I would prefer it if both of these guys retire, and would like hughes to go out on a high note not 3 losses in a row. I don’t hate serra but don’t like him either, if I never saw him compete again I could care less. Hughes IMO is done, and should hang up his gloves after this fight, and enjoy his hall of fame status and what he did for this sport. He’s not top five anymore and should leave while the goings good and enjoy his family and his new gym and his farming, go hughes!! kick serra’s ass!!

by nathan on Jan 11, 2009 3:09 AM EST reply actions

Мог бы долго с вами спорить на эту тему :)

by Professor on Jan 11, 2009 10:49 AM EST reply actions

??? :(

by nathan on Jan 11, 2009 1:49 PM EST reply actions

poo poo

by j.s dude on May 21, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Well I been a Hughes fan for a long time.Maybe i’m a little partial since he lives close, but I don’t think Serra can handle the bull. I think both bring their own styles to the game but Hughes has a grudge and I think he will be hungry for a win , just like in the old days. I do think both had better bring their ‘A’ game because the first to make a mistake is going to pay dearly I believe

by John on Jan 19, 2009 6:19 AM EST reply actions